Donald Solliday

DON'S SERVICE WILL BE VIDEOTAPED AND UPLOADED TO THIS SITE. IT WILL APPEAR BELOW THE OBITUARY & PICTURE TRIBUTE AFTER 5:00 PM TODAY.
Donald Burr Solliday was born March 13, 1936, in Albion, Indiana to Charles Enos and Mayme Butler Solliday. He was welcomed by sister Helen Ruth and brother Charles Herbert. Don lost his father at the age of 13 and later welcomed Don Favinger as his stepfather. He grew up in Knox, Indiana being, in his words, a little on the mischievous side. He developed a strong work ethic at a young age starting with a paper route and later becoming a carry out boy at the local grocery store where he moved up to the meat department. This began his love of the grocery business. He was a good athlete and enjoyed participating in all sports, but football was his favorite. A bad arm fracture ended his football years, but also kept him from being drafted for the war.
After high school, he went on to attend Tarkio College where he met Nida Springer. He and Nida were united in marriage in 1956 and started their family, welcoming Wendy Su, Tami Ann, Marcy Lynn and Charles Scott.
Don started his over 50-year career in the grocery industry in Chillicothe, MO and moved to Mt. Ayr, Iowa in 1965 where he opened and managed Don's Ayrliner for over 20 years. Don took a short break from the grocery industry to run Don's Drive Inn and eventually finished his career with Community Grocers, Inc in 2003. Over the years Don instilled his work ethic and morals into his children and grandchildren. He was a supportive father who encouraged his children and never missed an event. Later in life he continued to encourage and support his grandchildren in all they did.
Don always had a love for his community and that was evident in his service throughout the years. He served as a member of the Mt Ayr Businessmen's Club (now Chamber of Commerce), was a founding member of the Ringgold County Development Corporation, served as a President of the Lion's Club, member of the Jaycees and he was on the hospital board of trustees. He was on the Mount Ayr city council from 1970 - 1974. He served as Mayor from 2005 -2015 and then joined the council again from 2016 to 2019. He was a member of the Mount Ayr High School chain gang for 40 years and was awarded the IFCA Distinguished Service Award by Kirk Ferentz in 2007. When he wasn't busy serving his community, he could be found out Glendenning Motors enjoying coffee with the crew.
Of all of his service the most important was serving the Lord. Don was a member of the First Christian Church for over 50 years, where he served as a deacon and elder and also as Chairman of the Board. Don was a faithful man who loved Jesus Christ, his family and community. He embodied what it means to be a Christian, never passing judgment and always being quick to forgive. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Don passed away January 8, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and daughter Wendy.
He is survived by wife, Nida Solliday; his children Tami (Paul) Young, Marcy (Dwain) Crain & Scott (Trish) Solliday; His grandchildren Jensen (Hilary) Young, Taylor (Johnny) Russell, Kylee (Dan) O'Rourke, Scott (Caitlin) Rumple, Joe (Rachael) Rumple, Morgan (Kellen) Waldeier, Jordyn, Garrison and Josiah Solliday and his 18 great-grandchildren.
Memorials in his name can be directed to the First Christian Church, Mount Ayr and the Mount Ayr Public Library.